Bitter:Sweet first captivated audiences with their debut album, ‘The Mating Game,’ released in 2006. The album quickly established Shana Halligan and her collaborator, producer Kiran Shahani, on the map as pioneers of a sound that skillfully blended jazz, pop, and electronic music elements, a captivating genre that would become a hallmark of Bitter: Sweet’s identity. The album's success paved the way for subsequent projects, including ‘Drama’ and ‘The Break Up,’ which further highlighted Halligan’s vocal prowess and Shahani’s inventive production skills.

A rebirth in sound: Bitter-Sweet

After years of growth, experimentation, and creative exploration, Shana Halliigan is back as Bitter:Sweet, this time on her own and with a renewed sense of freedom and purpose. In conversations about this evolution, the former duo's lead vocalist and core member doesn’t shy away from discussing the complexities of this journey. She describes a deep sense of freedom in finally embracing herself as an artist. Sitting down with Meer, she reflects on her transformation, the fresh sonic landscape of her latest album, and what it means to fully embrace her voice.

A new chapter: strength in independence

Returning as Bitter: Sweet feels both familiar and intensely comfortable for Shana. "It’s what I believe to be my most authentic sound and voice. Because of that, the songs flowed naturally. I often write from the heart, drawing on what I’m feeling or observing in the world. Some songs demand to be written; other times, the music leads me to the story I want to tell."

“I am Bitter: Sweet now, and it feels like such a liberating place to be," she declares. This statement encapsulates her journey through self-acceptance and artistic confidence. Embracing her individuality has allowed her to be both vulnerable and powerful, crafting songs that resonate deeply with listeners.

The new album, ‘Baby Is Back’

Her latest project, ‘Baby Is Back,’ reflects this evolution, embracing an entirely new energy. “I made it a point to seek out producers who could take the best parts of my work and bring in their influences for a fresh perspective.” One of the most striking shifts in this new album is the prominence of her vocals. "In the past, my voice was more intertwined with the music, subtly swirling in the mix. But on this album, it takes center stage.”

Authenticity remains at the heart of the project, with every track enriched by layers of texture and emotion. "What I’ve always loved about Bitter: Sweet is the freedom to cross musical boundaries. We’d mix a hip-hop beat with a drum & bass or house vibe, or craft a track that felt like a James Bond soundtrack throwback before launching into pure bossa nova. I feel like I delivered that again in this album.”

Breaking musical boundaries

Shana believes that artistic freedom comes from crossing boundaries, reflecting resolve to defy categorization. “What I’ve always loved about Bitter: Sweet is the freedom to cross musical boundaries,” she explains, touching on their history of blending genres, from hip-hop to bossa nova and beyond. Through this exploration, the album showcases her evolution as an artist, refusing to be confined to a single genre. “In my mind, there is no such thing as a musical boundary,” she insists.

Keen to highlight Bitter: Sweet's boundless music style, “I think tapping into all of the influences that helped shape me as an artist over the years, be it jazz, hip hop, dance, bossa, R&B, or anything else, has always been my musical journey,” she explains. “Expressing my love for so many genres neatly packaged into this album feels good and right.”

Collaborations that shape sound

‘Baby Is Back’ marks not only a continuation of Bitter: Sweet’s legacy but also a new chapter driven by Shana's artistic independence. Each note and lyric engages in storytelling, crafted to express a fully realized voice.

We talk about her new confidence in exploring new work dynamics: “It has been incredibly exciting to work with like-minded people who enjoy the creative process as much as I do, respect my opinions and vision, and have an openness that I've craved. I just wanted to savor every moment this time around and not get hung up on all the ‘what ifs.’ The writing process was deeply immersive,” she notes, recalling sessions in the studio where energy and spontaneity guided her creativity.

A dive into the production process

Shana’s bond with her producers set the stage for a creative process that felt almost instinctual. Some days, she’d stroll into the studio with nothing more than a catchy melody or a rough idea, and through teamwork, those initial sparks often transformed into something truly impactful.

“Sometimes, I’d come in with just a topline or a basic song structure,” she shares. Every track turned into a journey, molded by the vibe of the moment; “I don’t follow a strict process,” she confesses, embracing the beauty of spontaneity. That sense of freedom is at the heart of ‘Baby Is Back’ and its vibrant sound.

Her producers played a key role in capturing the essence of Bitter: Sweet while infusing it with fresh influences. “There’s this enchanting mix of styles happening,” she notes. “It swings from old Hollywood to deep dance beats, yet it all flows seamlessly.”

A lyrical journey: love and strength in every form

The album goes beyond sonic exploration; its lyrics are filled with profound emotional depth. With ‘Baby Is Back,’ Shana aspires to foster unity, love, and resilience. “Music has this unique way of bringing people together, no matter their political differences,” she reflects, conveying a desire for the album to entertain and heal.

She draws from current events and life experiences to weave her narratives into the fabric of her songs. “I feel a strong connection to the world around me,” she says. Shana believes that music can bridge divides and unite people. “Some of these are my own stories, while others are purely imaginative; it’s a beautiful dance.” While on stage, she focuses on storytelling rather than adopting a distant, superstar persona. “I want to share laughter, tears, and dance with the audience,” she adds. “It’s like living in a vibrant, technicolor movie, bold and full of life.”

Vocal prominence and artistic expression

A striking characteristic of ‘Baby Is Back’ is the prominence of Halligan's vocals throughout the album. "In the past, my voice was more intertwined with the music, subtly swirling in the mix. But on this album, it takes center stage," she explains. This shift signifies a more decisive declaration of her identity as an artist ready to embrace her voice fully. Taking the forefront has allowed her to communicate a powerful sense of emotion, vulnerability, and strength. The album's tracks are designed to let her voice soar, reflecting her growth and newfound confidence.

Shana’s emotions cannot hide behind the sounds and production; ‘Baby Is Back’ shows all her vulnerabilities. “I'm also proud of the risks I've taken emotionally on this album. I'm sharing more of my personal story and not hiding behind the tracks like I once did,” she explains.

Final thoughts

Shana Halligan proves with Bitter: Sweet that evolution is not merely an artistic choice; it is a pathway of discovery that leads back to the core of what makes us human: a desire for connection, understanding, and love. In the words of Shana Halligan, “I am strong.” And with ‘Baby Is Back,’ Bitter: Sweet stands proudly at the intersection of artistry and authenticity, ready to embrace all that is yet to come. Bitter: Sweet new album 'Baby Is Back' is out now.